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“Colonel,” Praget interjected, “it is my understanding that one of the defectors is not thought to be Yuuzhan Vong, that some question remains as to what she actually is.”

“That’s true. We have yet to determine if Vergere is of a species native to the Yuuzhan Vong home galaxy or if she’s a product of their genetic engineering.”

“Were you able to gain any further insight into what compelled the enemy to invade the Outer Rim to begin with?” Miatamia asked.

Kalenda shook her head. “The assassin’s attack occurred shortly into the interview. Up to that point, Elan reiterated much of what we already know about the motives of the Yuuzhan Vong. At the behest of their gods, they are determined to cleanse our galaxy and/or convert us to their religion. Elan contends that they would much rather convert than exterminate us. Recordings of the debriefing—such as it was—are available for your review.”

She took a breath. “What I’ve come to tell you, however, is that, following the attack, Elan provided us with intelligence of a highly sensitive and potentially invaluable nature. Should it bear out, Director Scaur and I will be seeking authorization to relocate the defectors here, to Coruscant.”

Senator Shesh’s honeyed voice cut through the resultant murmur. “Is that wise, considering what happened on Wayland? As it is, New Nystao is demanding reparations.”

“In part, we chose Coruscant precisely because it is not easily targeted. I’ll be the first to admit that appropriate precautions weren’t exercised in moving the defectors from Nim Drovis to Wayland, but that won’t happen again. The plan we’ve worked out takes advantage of the current chaos in the Mid Rim, by effectively losing Elan and Vergere among the crowds of displaced peoples and jumping them to Coruscant via a circuitous route. At the same time, multiple decoy teams will be dispatched to confuse anyone with designs on sabotaging the operation.”

Kalenda stopped to pass out durasheet documents, color-coded for most-secret data. “The route will take Elan and Vergere through Bilbringi, Jagga-Two, and Chandrila—assuming, of course, that nothing untoward occurs—and precluding the advent of any intelligence suggesting that such a move poses a threat to New Republic security.”

“I fail to see the purpose of bringing them here,” Bogen said, shaking his head almost hard enough to muss his meticulously styled blond hair. “Your point that the Yuuzhan Vong attack attests to the status of the defectors is well taken. But that attack might have been a ploy aimed at nothing more than convincing us of Elan’s usefulness.”

With utmost care, Kalenda resumed her seat at the table. “Again, Senator, the plan is contingent on corroboration of the intelligence Elan furnished.” She paused briefly. “I’m as suspicious as anyone here—we all are—but I am also convinced that Elan could prove crucial to our efforts, even if she is part of a ruse. Not only does she claim to know the whereabouts of Yuuzhan Vong operatives who have infiltrated New Republic worlds, but also the identity of many of the agents they have recruited from among cells of smugglers, mercenaries, pirates, and the like.

“In fact, we have reason to believe that one such cell, which calls itself the Peace Brigade, may have been responsible for apprising the Yuuzhan Vong that Elan and Vergere were relocated to Wayland.” Kalenda passed out additional durasheets, bearing the mercenary cell’s insignia of two clasped hands: one that could have been human; the other, fully tattooed. “These contain dossiers on the members of the Peace Brigade, along with a brief summary of their suspected acts of subversion.” She glanced at Luke Skywalker. “Stirring anti-Jedi sentiment is apparently one of their specialties.”

Skywalker nodded.

“I hope Intelligence is keeping a watchful eye on this group,” Shesh said, lifting her eyes from the durasheet.

“Read on,” Kalenda said pleasantly.

Bogen cleared his throat loudly. “About the importance of this Elan …”

Kalenda turned to him.